Distinguished International Student Scholarship

The Division of International Engagement is pleased to announce the Distinguished International Student Scholarship to international students applying to the University of Central Arkansas. The Distinguished International Student Scholarship is a highly competitive scholarship with awards being determined based upon college proficiency exams, grade point average, essay submission, and letters of recommendation. Please see below for the full list of eligibility requirements and the application process.

Eligibility Requirements:

ACT score between 31-36 OR SAT score between 2020-2400

High School GPA 3.25 (cumulative through 7 semesters of High School)

Current UCA students are not eligible to apply

Students must be classified as an international student according to UCA.

Students must be applying for Undergraduate admission and be degree seeking.

Students enrolled as Visiting or Transfer are not eligible to apply

Application Process:

To apply for this scholarship, students should complete the admission application process and submit the following items by June 15th if applying for admission for the Fall semester (August–December) or by October 1st if applying for admission for the Spring semester (January – May).

Essay – Minimum of 500 words (maximum of 750 words) detailing your academic and extra-curricular experiences. Also include the goals you hope to achieve while studying at UCA including whether you plan to graduate from UCA. Please include a list of all honors, awards and scholarships you have received.

Letters of Recommendation – Submit at least 3 (but not more than 5) letters from people who can speak to your personal, academic, and professional characteristics.

The essay and letters should be sent via email to apettingill@uca.edu . Please include “Distinguished International Student Scholarship” in the subject line of the email.

Students will be notified via email of the status of their scholarship request by July 1st if applying for admission in the Fall semester (August – December) or November 1st if applying for admission in the Spring semester (January – May).

Award Amount:

Students awarded the Distinguished International Student Scholarship will receive an award equivalent to Full Tuition and Fees and includes Housing and Meals for the Fall and Spring semesters up to 4 years. Students will receive a scholarship equal to 12 credit hours. Initial awards will be applied to the recipients’ university account after verification of enrollment of their initial semester is completed.

Recipients enrolling in more credit hours will be responsible for the additional costs. All fees will be paid with the exception of the International Insurance fee. The Housing amount of the award will be based on standard double occupancy rates in a UCA owned apartment or Residence Hall. Recipients in private rooms will be responsible for the difference between the standard rate and the private room rate. The Meal plan amount of the award will be based on the standard meal plan for the chosen housing assignment. Recipients choosing more expensive meal plans will be responsible for the difference between the standard meal plan and the chosen meal plan.

Renewal of Award:

Scholarship awards will be renewed for the following academic year when the following are confirmed:

Recipients have maintained a cumulative 3.25 GPA in the previous academic year.

Recipients must earn at least 12 credit hours each semester.

Recipients are considered to be in good immigration status.

Awards will not be renewed if disciplinary issues are documented on campus or in the community.

Additional Rules:

Recipients of the Distinguished International Student Scholarship will assist the Division of International Engagement during the award period to coordinate cultural events and/or actively participate with the International organization on campus, Team Global.

Only Fall and Spring semesters are covered by the scholarship. Summer terms and intersessions are not covered.

If a recipient receives additional scholarships during the award period, the Distinguished International Student Scholarship will be applied in an amount equal to the remaining balance of tuition, fees, housing and meals. Excess aid will not be distributed to the student.